Simon

Simon is best known as the central protagonist to the anime and manga series, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. At the start of the series, this young boy was about 14 years of age and was just considered one of the best diggers at Jeeha Village. Simon was also very short for his age and unassuming, which is a similar character trait borrowed from Shinji Ikari from another one of Gainax's hit series, Neon Genesis Evangelion; at least I think so. As the series progress, Simon becomes more of a fearless leader just after Kamina, another one of Jeeha Village's natives, was killed in Episode 8 when Thymilph, one of the Spiral King's Four Supreme Generals, ultimately stabbed him... However, Gainax (and presumably fans) has confirmed that one of the protagonists of the series, Yoko Littner, is the individual behind this massacre, having kissed those who died a while after. Kamina's death has apparently made Simon stronger and more determined as he fought off the likes of Lordgenome ("Spiral King") and even the Anti-Spiral, himself.